After five years behind closed doors, the Atlantic City Aquarium at Historic Gardner’s Basin has officially reopened—welcoming residents and visitors back to one of the city’s most cherished attractions.
The long-anticipated reopening follows a comprehensive renovation that touched nearly every corner of the building, both inside and out. A celebratory ribbon-cutting took place this past week, led by Mayor Marty Small Sr., alongside city officials, Aquarium staff, and community stakeholders. Guests at the event were among the first to explore the refreshed space, which had been closed since March 2020.
Originally opened in May 1999, the Aquarium’s temporary closure began at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovation plans were already underway, but supply chain delays and additional repair needs discovered during the process extended the timeline. The result, however, has been well worth the wait.
The revitalized Aquarium now features a new roof, windows, flooring, ceiling decking, renovated bathrooms, updated HVAC systems, enhanced lighting, and a vibrant new paint job throughout. Fresh murals, both inside and out, give the building a modern, ocean-inspired feel that sets the stage for discovery and fun.
New and upcoming attractions include:
The Aquarium continues to house more than 100 species, including fan favorites like Groman, a 225-pound Loggerhead sea turtle, as well as diamondback terrapins, lionfish, horseshoe crabs, pipefish, and seahorses.
The Aquarium’s reopening is the result of tireless collaboration among city departments, private partners, artists, and volunteers.
The City of Atlantic City’s Public Works Department oversees the Aquarium, with Gardner’s Basin Nautical Park Manager Lisa Schall and Aquarist Sarita DuCote-Stroud maintaining the exhibits and caring for the property during its closure. Animal care was handled by Shore Aquarium Services.
Leading the renovation was City Engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe, with Arthur Ponzio Co & Associates managing the project. Additional partners included:
Beautification efforts added a creative, local touch. Artist Kelly Prevard painted new exterior murals, while the second-floor youth murals were created in partnership with the City’s Youth Services Division and funded through a Community Development Block Grant. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation, supported by Inlet CDC, installed painted planters featuring artwork by Tabitha Brown, and volunteers from the Atlantic City Hydrangea Trail helped bring life to the grounds with landscaping and greenery.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is now open seven days a week, from 10 AM to 5 PM, offering hands-on learning and marine-life fun for families, students, and visitors of all ages.
For more information on admission, exhibits, or group tours, visit:
www.acnj.gov/pages/acaquarium or call: 609-348-2880
As Mayor Marty Small Sr. shared during the ceremony:
“This Aquarium is more than just an attraction—it’s a point of pride for Atlantic City.”
Its reopening marks a milestone not just in renovations, but in the city’s ongoing mission to reinvest in spaces that educate, inspire, and bring joy to everyone who walks through the door.